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July 27, 2010

Environmental Ministers Criticize US Stance on Climate Change
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Environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India and China met in
Rio de Janeiro Monday ahead of December’s UN climate conference in
Mexico. South African Environment Minister Buyelwa Sonjica criticized
the US Senate for failing to pass legislation to cap carbon emissions.

Buyelwa Sonjica: "By the time we get to Cancún, they will not have
completed the legislation. Clearly, we will get less than the legally
binding outcome. And for us, that is a concern."

Indian Environmental Minister Vairam Ramesh said the United States and
other wealthy countries have failed to make good on promises for $30
billion in "fast track" financing for emissions reduction programs in
poor countries.

Vairam Ramesh: "If money is not put on the table, which was the most
important promise made by the developed countries, then it’s unlikely
that we will have an outcome at Cancún. The key to Cancún lies not with
the developing countries, it lies with the developed countries to
fulfill their commitments on financing, which they had undertaken as
part of the Copenhagen Accord."



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